elttraining – Page 10 – Katherine Reilly

August 22, 2024August 22, 2024

Sizzling Grills and Exam Drills: Life Lessons Beyond Tests

“Dedicated to my father who slept countless nights on restaurant booths to provide for his family.” By Katherine Reilly, originally published by ELT NEWS printed magazine

This is the story of a boy who grew up in a fairly isolated village of Greece following the conclusion of the atrocious second world war. History has proven that education is a privilege typically accessible to the better-off, with lesser-known exceptions breaking the rule after enduring relentless hardships and trials. Imagine the oldest brother of five, forced to work the fields to provide the bare necessities for his siblings to survive. Education in a post-war society was but a luxury – a far-fetched dream many a youth at the time were deprived of.

August 13, 2024August 13, 2024

Grammar Woes and Laughs: How to Thrive Amidst Linguistic Lunacy

by Katherine Reilly, originally published in ELT NEWS printed magazine

After more than two decades of teaching grammar, I can assuredly attest to the notion that language teaching has become the embodiment of God’s sense of humor. Bold claims to be held, albeit with concrete justification. I cannot begin to comprehend the turmoil and frustration faced by a language learner when interpreting Greek idioms which baffle them beyond explanation. “Slow the much oil” or “You’ll eat wood” are but a few examples to consider. Of course, this works both ways as learners of English would be scratching their heads when hearing the expression “Bite the bullet” or “I’ll spill the beans”. I can only imagine how upset a host would be upon hearing his guest say the latter, fretting for his clean, shiny floor. Admittedly, I have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and preserving a spotless kitchen floor is a constant painstaking endeavor.

July 4, 2024

September Blues and Classroom Hues

by Katherine Reilly

Could someone please enlighten me on the matter of mandatory school attendance? Don’t get me wrong, I am clearly aware of the importance of education and identify as an avid supporter. Nonetheless, the fact that we dread the prospect of returning to our classrooms is, without a doubt, a surging feeling we have all experienced at least once in our careers. Is it our apprehension of the individuals who must surround us for the foreseeable future? The demands of our duties which, to be honest, consume a great portion of our daily routine? Bullying, demeaning behaviors, obnoxious colleagues and students, infinite papers to correct with little to no recognition of our endeavors, jeopardizing our own sanity and peace of mind…